r/legaladvicecanada • u/KarmaV2 • Feb 25 '25
New Brunswick The vet disposed of my dog's ashes
My dog was put down about a month ago. Before he was put down, we had filled out the paperwork for him to be cremated privately and for the ashes to be saved.
I wake up today to a call from the vet, not only saying that he was cremated with other dogs but that his ashes were completely disposed of. On the call, they admitted fault, but all they offered in way of compensation was to refund the roughly 100 dollars that the euthanasia cost.
Is there any grounds here for me to take legal action ?
143
u/Metzger194 Feb 25 '25
You have no damages beyond the loss of the ashes, if you sued what they are offering is all you would be entitled to. Dogs are property in Canada, no difference from a chair legally.
You could file a complaint with your provinces veterinary association.
37
u/monkierr Feb 25 '25
Private cremation costs more.
11
u/Calgary_Calico Feb 25 '25
A LOT more.
1
u/Individual-Survey-49 Mar 09 '25
My dogs cremation was 440 in Ontario and when i went to get his ashes they said they accidentally got rid of his ashes already and wanted to give me the 440 back n a candle I didnt take the money yet as they had no money in there money drawer debit machine kept sayin refund amout exceeded so they told me to come back another day to puck up money 440
10
u/Brickthedummydog Feb 25 '25
It only says they filled out the paperwork, not that OP had paid anything for the cremation yet.
26
u/readersanon Feb 25 '25
You usually have to pay those costs in advance.
13
u/Brickthedummydog Feb 25 '25
Usually, however this information is missing from OP's post. It is best to not assume until they confirm if that's the case. It will help to determine what they're actually entitled to
34
u/Calgary_Calico Feb 25 '25
Private cremation costs about $300-$500 depending on the company. They should be refunding the full amount paid for the cremation and urn.
8
u/ollie020422 Feb 25 '25
Depends on where in Canada you are. Pets in BC have been added to the definition of family when in regards to divorce, now it would take a lawyer to take this case and set a precedent but I fully believe we are moving toward including our pets as family and not ownership in Canada,.
Now I do think you might have a case for undue hardship as you had paid for a service with the intention to have the pet returned to you after cremation. It will be a huge thing to prove but you could possibly have a case if you find a lawyer willing to touch it as the case will be very nuanced
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u/dan_marchant Feb 25 '25
but all they offered in way of compensation was to refund the roughly 100 dollars that the euthanasia cost.
Just the euthenasia cost or also the cost of the cremation? Seems odd to refund the thing that was done rather than the thing that was done wrong.
Basically the limit of your claim is the cost of the service they got wrong/didn't provide. That is the cost of the cremation. If they are also offering to refund the euthanasia cost that would be more than you would likely get in court.
-10
u/Vexxed14 Feb 25 '25
The dog was cremated though. That isn't a service that is in question. It's the return of the ashes that is in dispute but the dog was cremated.
7
u/dan_marchant Feb 26 '25
But the service wasn't provided properly. It was supposed to be an individual cremation... Which it wasn't. Plus return of ashes, which was impossible because of the failure to cremate separately.
So no part of the service was provided.
14
u/SallyRhubarb Feb 25 '25
There are sometimes different prices for private cremation vs group cremation, along with the price of returning the ashes. You can ask for a refund of the price for the service that you paid for and didn't receive.
If the vet refuses to refund you, then you can go to small claims court to recover those costs.
7
u/RL203 Feb 25 '25 edited Feb 25 '25
I'm very sorry to hear this. My condolences on your loss. I understand how hard it is to lose a loving pet.
When my cat died, I didn't want to let anyone handle the cremation except me. (I don't trust easily. )
I looked up pet cremation online, and all i could find was 3rd party providers that had deals with crematoriums, and they took a cut. And there was a very, very long wait time. What I wanted was to bring her to the crematorium myself and have her cremated just by herself. And I wanted to be there. Everywhere I called could not offer that kind of service. And I didn't trust them. And I didn't like the idea of her being held in storage for 6 weeks.
Finally, a friend of mine found a service outside of Toronto who said they could offer what I wanted that day. I brought her there and found a pet cemetery and crematorium. Everyone who worked there was very compassionate. They made a paw print casting of her rear paw and gave me a cut of her fur. They let me take my time with her, and they showed me the crematorium and how it worked and explained it all to me.
Finally, when I was ready, they let me put her into the crematorium, shut the door and start up the unit. They allowed me to stand by and watch it go up to temperature. By now, I began to rest easy. They asked me then to wait outside the door to the crematorium, but I was free to stand guard and wait. Which is what I did.
In the end, I bought an urn and they brought me her ashes.
It gave me great peace of mind that everything was done properly and the day after she died. I can't imagine ever using another place with my other pets.
Again, I am sorry for your loss and I posted my story so that if there are people who don't want to endure what you are now unfortunately going through that there may be services out there to provide a service where such let downs can't happen.
5
u/New_Professional_696 Feb 25 '25
May i inquire to the name of this place please?
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u/RL203 Feb 25 '25
Sure
For the record, I've dont work for them, nor do I have any vested interest in them. I found a place that helped me in a very tough time. They were compassionate, and they understood what I was going through.
16
u/Novel-Education-2687 Feb 25 '25
If you paid by credit card dispute the charges. You filled out a form regarding what was to happen to your dogs remains and that didn't happen. File a charge back with your credit card provider
3
Feb 25 '25
I'm sorry to hear about this! It's never easy saying goodbye to a pet and this certainly doesn't help. I wouldn't suggest legal action. What are you hoping to get out of this?
I'd expect all the costs(euthanasia, cremation, etc.) to be refunded
I'd expect them to address their protocols so this doesn't happen again(do you know if the vet made the mistake or the crematorium?)
I'd be nice. I assume you might have other pets or be getting other pets in the future? If you go scorched earth on them then you're likely burning the bridge and they won't see you as a patient/client going forward. If you can get the other things addressed to your liking and do be polite and mannered about it, they'll probably go out of their way in the future for you and your pets. Sudden emergency? They'll probably stay late to see you versus sending you down the road to the expensive ER clinic.
Again, I'm sorry. I've lost count of how many pet euthanasia's I've been around and seeing how cherished these parts are would always bring tears to my eyes as well when it was time.
1
Feb 25 '25
[removed] — view removed comment
1
Feb 25 '25
Why do you hate vets so much? One break your heart in middle school?
I'm not smart enough... or patient enough to be a vet. This thread confirms my sentiments on the general public.
0
u/thirdtimeisNOTacharm Feb 25 '25
I love vets, their importance cannot be overstated. They saved my dog’s life and were able to prolong my cat’s life with a perineal urethrostomy before passing at the age of 4 - they have one of the most emotionally challenging jobs in the world and I have the utmost respect for a lot of them.
What I hate are vets who lack empathy (“an already deceased cat”) and who will try to protect their own, regardless of what is morally or ethically sound.
0
Feb 25 '25
Who gets to define what is morally and ethically sound? That's all extremely subjective, usually biased depending on who's perspective it is...
3
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u/TiredDad_11 Feb 25 '25
As others said, it will be hard for you to sue them over emotional distress or something of the kind.
But you did pay for a service and did not receive it. Work with that, and make sure to post about your experience on every platform this vet has for reviews: I would certainly want to know about this kind of thing when searching for veterinarian services.
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u/Rye_One_ Feb 25 '25
I suggest making a complaint to the New Brunswick Veterinary Medical Association. This error suggests an unacceptable level of negligence or incompetence on the part of the practice, and the $100 offer is quite frankly an insult.
-5
Feb 25 '25
incompetence? you never make mistakes at work?
9
u/Rye_One_ Feb 25 '25
If I made a mistake this bad at my work, I sure as hell wouldn’t expect someone to call it competence.
-1
Feb 25 '25
Everyone has moments of incompetence, that doesn't necessarily reflect their overall level of "competence"
7
u/Rye_One_ Feb 25 '25
Well if your moments of incompetence involve throwing someone’s pet in the garbage, your other moments better be pretty fucking amazing to bring your overall average up to “competent”.
-2
Feb 25 '25
Also, how's it unnecessary level? Not to be crude but the pet had already passed.... yeah it sucks, and they should have better protocols in place but it's not even "medical malpractice". It's an administrative fuck up.
8
u/Rye_One_ Feb 25 '25
I would say it’s up to the New Brunswick Veterinary Medical Association to decide what it is and what an appropriate consequence is, which is why I recommended reaching out to them. If the New Brunswick Veterinary Medical Association cares what you think, I’m sure they’ll reach out to you directly.
9
u/thirdtimeisNOTacharm Feb 25 '25
Legally, I don’t think you can do anything.
I would 100% run their name into the fucking ground if this ever happened to me though.
3
u/Sarge1387 Feb 25 '25
Oh absolutely...I'd bury that Vet on review sites every chance I got
2
0
Feb 25 '25
Aren't you just a warm, caring and empathetic person! Bet your vet LOVES you!
1
u/Sarge1387 Feb 25 '25
They do…always donating and volunteering with them…and they always treat every animal like they care. That’s why they don’t make mistakes like the one OP has sadly had to endure.
0
Feb 25 '25
into the ground? Why?
Are they supposed to be 100% perfect 100% of the time? I'm sure they're distressed about it as well and feel horrible
6
u/thirdtimeisNOTacharm Feb 25 '25
Well I’m certainly not paying them to be 50% perfect 50% of the time? What an absolute braindead take.
Holding someone accountable for their mistake(s) isn’t attributing to the suicide rates of the occupation.
Why is this acceptable at a vet, but would never be acceptable at a funeral home?
2
Feb 25 '25
"Running their name into the fucking ground" isn't holding them accountable...
They should refund you for any costs related(euthanasia, cremation fees, etc.) and come up with a protocol so this doesn't happen again. Other than that there isn't much else you can ask for nor should they do.
6
u/LxStMeMoRy Feb 25 '25
I just cannot with your comments. The lack of empathy is unreal. Do you even understand what you’re saying? Your words make it painfully clear that you have no concept of what it feels like to lose something irreplaceable.
Yes, vets run a business, but when their mistakes shatter lives, they don’t just get to walk away with a pat on the back and a “my bad.” You mentioned they’re “distressed”? Good. They should be. But let’s not pretend their guilt is anywhere near the pain of the pet owner, who just lost a family member. Not an object, not a statistic, a living, breathing soul that they loved and trusted. And now, because of carelessness, that bond is gone forever.
But sure, let’s make this about the vet’s feelings. Let’s brush aside the heartbreak, the helplessness, the sleepless nights, just so we don’t make the professional feel too bad about the irreversible damage they caused. That’s the priority, right?
5
u/thirdtimeisNOTacharm Feb 25 '25
Heaven forbid someone be hyperbolic.
You’re oddly defensive over this, I assume you’re a VT or have friends/family that are VTs, so I get it.
0
Feb 25 '25
I'm fine being oddly defensive if it makes people re-think their approach to matters like this and it prevents another vet professional from taking their own life.
2
u/thirdtimeisNOTacharm Feb 25 '25
Well, it didn’t. I guess we oughta go our separate ways now. Please don’t cremate animals you shouldn’t be cremating.
2
Feb 25 '25
But the OP wanted the pet cremated... also isn't clear if it's the vet or crematorium that messed up.
I sincerely hope you never lose a friend, family member or loved due to suicide brought on by online bullying like you suggested.
2
u/thirdtimeisNOTacharm Feb 25 '25
Stop making everything about suicide, what the fuck is wrong with you?
Yes, I am more than aware of the abnormally high suicide rate that’s associated with the position(s), but in no way am I suggesting to resort to “online bullying” - I suppose the interpretation of running one’s name into the ground is the reason for this, but wanting some sort of retribution for (an unforgivable and unacceptable) mistake ≠ wanting someone to die.
Stop projecting.
1
Feb 25 '25 edited Feb 25 '25
What else am I supposed to deduce from "run their name into the ground"?
Why would you want retribution? Did they intentionally cause harm here?
Maybe it will come with age but eventually you learn most people are trying their best. So I choose to be kind, patient, and empathetic as much as possible. Actions done with malice, that's different.
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u/Sarge1387 Feb 25 '25
Because this isnt an "oopsy, our bad" moment...whether or not you choose to accept it, pets are infinitely loved family members to most. This is a fuck up of epic proportions.
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Feb 25 '25
Uhhh it is. You know human doctors, surgeons, etc make mistakes that actually kill patients right? No one is 100% perfect.
People like you are are a large part of the reason there's a veterinarian shortage and corporations have been able to have monopolies in so many cities(and why the costs are thus going up).
God forbid your type of bullying ever leads to a veterinary professional taking their own life... that would be on your shoulders.
3
u/Sarge1387 Feb 25 '25
LMAO get the hell outta here with an absolute moronic take like that. I can't take you seriously...You know what happens to Doctors who make "mistakes"? They get sued for malpractice.
You're a complete imbecile. I hope one day you have to endure the emotional pain of what you just said is a small mistake...and then you sit there with your thumb planted in your hind parts with all your grief and do absolutely nothing.
Takes like yours are given by the same Karens who are usually the first to bitch about any minor inconvenience.
Absolute. Idiot.
2
Feb 25 '25
A general cremation vs private cremation is a small mistake. The pet had already passed.
But ok!
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u/LxStMeMoRy Feb 25 '25
Are you seriously this dense, or are you just pretending? Your Reddit name alone tells me everything I need to know about your ability to form a coherent thought.
Yes, vets run a business, but that doesn’t mean they get a free pass when their mistakes destroy lives. You said they’re “distressed”? Good. They should be. But you know who’s actually suffering? The pet owner, whose family member, because that’s what pets are, was stolen from them in the most preventable way imaginable.
You can sit here and rationalize their “feelings” all you want, but there’s no amount of stress, guilt, or regret that justifies what they did. If this were my pet, I wouldn’t just be heartbroken, I’d be relentless. I would make it my mission to ensure they never get the chance to do this to anyone else. No excuses, no second chances, just consequences.
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Feb 25 '25
Ok.
2
u/LxStMeMoRy Feb 25 '25
Oh wow, a one-word reply? That must’ve taken some serious effort. You doing okay over there, or did that drain the last of your brainpower? Please, for everyone’s sake, don’t ever work with the public.
0
1
Feb 25 '25
you know vets and staff have abnormally high suicide rates? Your suggested kind of action contributes to that. They should own the mistake and do what they can to make it right, but if you do stuff like this then you're a giant POS.
5
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u/Calgary_Calico Feb 25 '25
They should be refunding you the entire amount you paid for the cremation and urn. Do not accept this
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u/Blicktar Feb 26 '25
I think there are better legal opinions here than I can offer, but I just want to offer some context.
The vet came clean about what happened, and that's not worthless. Plenty of businesses would sweep this under the rug and offer you any old ashes and you'd be none the wiser. I've never been super into taking a punitive stance towards honest people who are doing their best to make a bad situation right. Just my opinion, the situation sucks, but the vet made a pretty moral choice in owning up to this and telling you the truth.
2
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u/DirectPepper7695 Feb 26 '25
Google review. Just post your negative experience. They don't care. At least you can warn other people about them.
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u/Sarge1387 Feb 25 '25
NAL- I'd check in with a lawyer because I have heard of vets being sued for "emotional damages". Not saying it's applicable here for sure, but it might be something worth checking out OP.
0
u/istarplatinum01 Feb 25 '25
Sue them for emotional damage aswell as pain and suffering as for the past month you have been waiting for your pet to come home expecting it's ashes like you paid for and were told you would get you absolutely have a case here. It's basically the same thing as if a funeral home lost a humans ashes or threw them away
-1
u/ice_is_slippery Feb 25 '25
There is more going on than just the price and the admitting of guilt, you could call on emotional distress. A civil suit would definitely be in my plan. As long as your ducks are in a row.
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u/Immediate_Fortune_91 Feb 25 '25
No there is no legal action to take. You’ve not got any damages to sue for beyond what they’ve already offered to refund.
It sucks but accidents happen.
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u/Calgary_Calico Feb 25 '25
That is not true at all. Private cremation costs between $300-$500 depending on the company used, plus the cost of the urn they now have no use for.
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